Lord Jesus Who art Come
Lord Jesus, who art come
Lord Jesus Who art Come is a hymn text by unknown (1800) in L.M. meter. Found in ELH 503, tlh 485. Sung to WAREHAM.
The hymn articulates classical Lutheran sacramental theology, affirming Christ's real presence in communion and the sacred responsibility of those who distribute the sacrament. It connects stewardship of God's mysteries with faithful reception of communion.
History & Background
This hymn appears in Lutheran hymnals of the 19th century, particularly in German-American Lutheran traditions. The text emphasizes Christ's sacramental presence and the role of Christian ministers as stewards of divine mysteries.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary — 503
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 485
Bulletin Note
From early 19th-century Lutheran tradition, this hymn expresses classical Protestant sacramental theology: Christ is truly present, and those who commune share in stewarding God's most sacred mysteries with devoted care.
Preaching Connection
This hymn deepens sacramental proclamation by teaching believers that Christ's presence in communion demands both grateful reception (Gospel) and reverent stewardship of these mysteries (Law's call to holy living).
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Definition & Command of Communion Small Catechism — Holy Communion
- Of Lord’s Supper Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christ's compassionate presence amid human suffering and social chaos, calling the Church to incarnational witness and mercy
Overview
Eberhard Ludwig Fischer's hymn on the Office of the Holy Ministry — a remarkably precise statement of Lutheran doctrine on the ministry. Christ, the Teacher from heaven, wisely ordained the holy ministry so his flock may know the way to God (st. 1); ascended, yet present, extending his kingdom through preaching that keeps faith until the end (st. 2); 'O blessed ministry / Of reconciliation' — by the pure Gospel he calls, enlightens, keeps (st. 3); send laborers into the harvest (st. 4); preserve pastors in pure doctrine and holy life, give them words (st. 5); bless the Word and give faithful shepherds (st. 6); bring in strangers and guard the fold (st. 7).
Central theme: The Holy Ministry as Christ's own institution through which he preaches reconciliation and gathers and keeps his Church
Structure
Seven eight-line stanzas (6.7.6.7.6.6.6.6). Instituted (1) — preaching (2) — reconciliation (3) — harvest (4) — pastors kept (5) — shepherding (6) — mission (7).
Law & Gospel Shape
Gospel: 'ministry / Of reconciliation… brings to us salvation'; 'call, enlighten, keep… comfort'; 'Seek Thou the wandering sheep.'
Confessional Connections
1 Cor 4:1 (TLH's text): 'servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.' St. 1: 'Thou wisely hast ordained / The holy ministry' — AC V: 'To obtain such faith God instituted the office of the ministry, that is, provided the Gospel and the sacraments.' St. 2: Christ ascended yet present, extending his kingdom through preaching (Mark 16:20; AC XXVIII.8-9). St. 3: 'ministry of reconciliation' (2 Cor 5:18) through which the Spirit 'calls, gathers, enlightens… and keeps' (SC Third Article, echoed in 'call, enlighten, keep'). St. 5: pastors kept 'in doctrine pure / And holiness of living' (1 Tim 4:16; AC XIV: no one should teach publicly without a regular call).
Liturgical Use (Study Notes)
Ordination; installation; pastors' anniversaries; Ember Days; missions.
Historical Notes
Fischer (1695-1773), Württemberg court preacher; published 1741.
About the Tune
O GOTT, DU FROMMER GOTT (Meiningen, 1693).
Scripture References
1 Cor 4:1 John 3:2 Eph 4:11-12 Mark 16:19-20 Matt 28:20 Rom 10:14-17 2 Cor 5:18-20 Matt 9:37-38 John 4:35 1 Tim 4:16 Matt 10:19-20 Ezek 34:16 John 10:16 1 Pet 5:4
Stanza by Stanza
Lord Jesus, who came as a teacher sent from heaven and gave us God's truth by word and deed, you wisely ordained the holy ministry so that we, your flock, may know the way to God through you.
'We know that you are a teacher come from God' (John 3:2). 'He gave the apostles… the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints' (Eph 4:11-12). AC V: God instituted the ministry.
- Scripture
- John 3:2, Eph 4:11-12, John 14:6
- Imagery & language
- Teacher from heaven; holy ministry ordained; way to God.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — ministry given.
- Connection to previous
- Ministry ordained.
Lord, you have returned, ascending to God's right hand; yet you are in the world, extending your kingdom here. Through the preaching of your Word in every land and climate, your people's faith is kept until the end of time.
'The Lord Jesus… was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them' (Mark 16:19-20). 'I am with you always' (Matt 28:20). 'Faith comes from hearing' (Rom 10:17).
- Scripture
- Mark 16:19-20, Matt 28:20, Rom 10:14-17
- Imagery & language
- Ascended; yet in the world; preaching; faith kept.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — Christ present through preaching.
- Connection to previous
- Through preaching.
Blessed ministry of reconciliation, which shows the way to God and brings us salvation! By your pure Gospel, Lord, you preserve your flock; you call, enlighten and keep, you comfort and uphold.
'God… gave us the ministry of reconciliation… entrusting to us the message of reconciliation' (2 Cor 5:18-19). SC Third Article: the Holy Spirit 'has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me… and kept me.'
- Scripture
- 2 Cor 5:18-20, Rom 1:16
- Imagery & language
- Ministry of reconciliation; pure evangel; call, enlighten, keep.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — salvation through the ministry.
- Connection to previous
- Reconciliation.
Preserve this ministry while the days of harvest last; and since the fields are white and there are few hands for reaping, send out workers, Lord, to gather in the sheaves, so that not one soul be lost whom you came to win.
'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers' (Matt 9:37-38). 'The fields are white for harvest' (John 4:35).
- Scripture
- Matt 9:37-38, John 4:35, 1 Tim 2:4
- Imagery & language
- Ministry preserved; white fields; few reapers; workers sent.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — God's saving will.
- Connection to previous
- The harvest.
Preserve in pure doctrine and holiness of life the servants you have called and are giving to your Church. Fill their hearts with your Spirit, give their tongues power; give them in that hour what they should boldly speak!
'Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching' (1 Tim 4:16). 'It will be given to you in that hour what you are to say' (Matt 10:19-20). AC XIV: a regular call.
- Scripture
- 1 Tim 4:16, Matt 10:19-20, Acts 4:29-31
- Imagery & language
- Called servants; pure doctrine; holy living; Spirit; bold speech.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — the Spirit equips.
- Connection to previous
- Pastors kept.
Yes, always bless your Word, feeding our souls forever; and may we never lack a faithful shepherd's leading! Seek the wandering sheep, bind up the sorely oppressed, lift up the fallen and give the weary rest.
'I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak' (Ezek 34:16). 'Shepherd the flock of God' (1 Pet 5:2).
- Scripture
- Ezek 34:16, 1 Pet 5:2, Matt 11:28
- Imagery & language
- Word; faithful shepherd; wandering sheep; weary rest.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — pastoral care.
- Connection to previous
- Faithful shepherds.
Bring into your fold those who are still strangers to you; guard those within against offense and danger. Press on with your Word until pastor and flock, through faith in you, Christ, behold your glory.
'I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also' (John 10:16). 'When the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory' (1 Pet 5:4).
- Scripture
- John 10:16, 1 Pet 5:4, Matt 18:6-7
- Imagery & language
- Strangers brought in; guarded; pastor and fold; glory.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — mission and glory.
- Connection to previous
- Into the fold.
Themes
Christ's presence Sacramental grace Communion Stewardship Christ as Lord